Willowbend Australian Cattle Dogs

18/06/2024

Annie (Houlihan) living her best life… resting up to chase ball again.

15/06/2024

The progression to 5 weeks.

11/06/2024

This picture says it all. The bond these two have is what I hope all my puppies have with their owners. My MASH litter all have the best homes and are living their best life. I hope the Story litter will have the same. Show homes are great. Performance and Working homes are awesome but most of all no matter what kind of home I just hope for each of the pups to be companions that are loved dearly and have special bonds with their families ♥️
Deb and Hawkeye earned their first qualifying scores at an AKC Agility event. 😍 Well done Deb! I’m so proud of you and Hawk!

02/06/2024

The puppies turned 3 weeks on Thursday. This is a big week of changes. We have added a litter area to their box and they are already using it a lot. It’s amazing that they start using it so fast. This is a week of startling too. We slam doors, drop pans, make loud sounds, and anything we can think of with the pups. This is the age where the pups startle but recover immediately so it’s perfect time to imprint recovery. I’ll post better pics later!

28/05/2024

Drama, Fable, Mystery, Poet, Novel, Sequel

24/05/2024

Vaida has had all of this testing including the advanced cardiac. She had the ofa hips instead of pennhip.

The Australian Cattle Dog is a strong compact, symmetrically built working dog, with the ability and willingness to carry out his allotted task however arduous.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Australian Cattle Dog Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP)
- Elbow Dysplasia
- ACVO Eye Exam (24m age minimum)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy prcd (DNA Test)
- Congenital Deafness (BAER)
- Primary Lens Luxation (DNA Test)
Optional but recommended:
- Patellar Luxation
- Cardiac Exam (Basic, Advanced, or Standard Congenital Cardiac Exam)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy RCD4
- PennHip

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Australian Cattle Dog, please visit the parent club website: https://www.acdca.org/

For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

22/05/2024

20/05/2024

I could hold them forever 💙🧡

18/05/2024

Drama, Fable, Mystery, Poet, Novel, Sequel

12/05/2024

We raise our Puppies on the Puppy Culture Method.
What is Puppy Culture?

Puppy Culture was developed by Jane Killion, professional dog breeder and trainer. It offers everything you need to know from day 1 of puppies life till they go home to you.

The first weeks of a puppy’s life are crucial. This is an almost magical time when a breeder has the power to change the outcome of a puppy’s life forever by how much time and effort we choose to put into each individual puppy. By doing just the right things at just the right time, we can give your puppy the best approach to life possible to equipped with everything it needs to thrive.

Prenatal Period:
Making sure that parents are health tested and clear from all genetic health issues, to guarantee puppies health. The physical and emotional health of the mother will affect the health of her puppies. Since research has shown that puppies born to mothers that receive prenatal massage are more docile and enjoy being touched, we spoil our mothers with lots of affection and belly massages. A puppy’s predisposition to form deep and meaningful relationships begins even before they are born.

Neonatal Period: 0-14 days
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) begins on day 3 and continues through day 16. Research shows that tiny struggles and stresses in appropriate small doses are actually good for puppies and will help them grow into strong, healthy well-adjusted adults. Benefits include greater tolerance to stress, greater resistance to disease, faster adrenal system, stronger heart rate and stronger heartbeat. This is a gift that a breeder can only give their puppies once during the window of 3-16 days.- Dr. Carmen Battaglia Author (ENS) Early Neurological Stimulation

Transitional Period: 14-21 days
Behavioral markers are used to identify the beginning and end of each developmental period because every puppy is different and these timelines are simply guidelines. This period starts when puppy’s open their eyes and ends when they start experiencing their first startle reflex, when hearing a sound. This is best time to sound train them since their ability to fear yet did not develop and they recover much faster from noises, therefore, they won't be afraid.

Critical Socialization Period: 3-12 weeks
Socialization and exposing your puppies to as much different noises and new experiences as possible while the puppy is young, is a good idea but not all that they need. They need play time with toys that are not only fun, but teach them to think. For example, having a puppy go down a small slide, or going through a tunnel, Standing on a wobbly surface and trying to balance, proves that they will have larger brain mass and will be smarter and stronger than the puppies their own age that didn't get that training. Our goal is to raise dogs that have the emotional intelligence to connect with you and your loved ones. Emotional intelligence can be taught very well to the puppies through the Puppy Culture Program.

12/05/2024

3 days of changes

11/05/2024

Boy oh boy do we have some stories to tell!
The Story Litter entered the world yesterday ♥️
Mom and pups are doing great. We had a big waiting list for girls so what did we get? 5 boys and 1 girl 🤣

06/05/2024

We are so excited! How many do you see?

10/04/2024

We have a confirmed pregnancy 💜💙 Thanks to our wonderful vet for her detailed ultrasound. Puppies are due mid May!

07/04/2024

28/03/2024

I’m excited to share that I have achieved Breeder of Merit status with the AKC. I feel blessed to be capable of this achievement. Thank you to all the owners of Willowbend Australian Cattle dogs. Without you, this would not have been possible. I am proud beyond words. ♥️

We have an exciting breeding in the works 🤞 and future plans for 2024/2025. If you are interested in more information feel free to message us.

15/03/2024

Annie went Best of Opposite S*x and BOBOH today in a beautiful line up of dogs. Congrats Brittany and Aaron!

11/03/2024

Annie earned her AKC Grand Championship today in Franklin , TN. Annie showed Fri-Mon and placed everyday. We are really proud of Brittany and Annie for all their hard work and determination to learn ♥️ Congrats Brittany and Aaron!
GCH Willowbend’s Major Hot Lips Houlihan TKN

11/03/2024

Colonel Potter earned his Canine Good Citizen title today. He is now known as
CH Willowbend’s On Your Feet Soldier NAP NJP BCAT TKI FDC RN CGC

22/02/2024

Exciting news!!! We are planning a breeding for 2024. Still working out details but contact me If you are interested in finding out more or getting on the list.
(Picture is of Potter from last litter)

25/01/2024

CH Willowbend’s Captain Benjamin Franklin Pierce POA CGC TKI BCAT IA CL1-S CL1-H
CL1-F ACT2 ACT2J ~ Hawkeye

Hawkeye and Deb have been working hard ♥️

04/12/2023

Potter and Rosie’s title certificates arrived!
Rosie = NAP
Potter = NAP, NAJP, BCAT
Looking forward to 2024 and lots more sports!

05/11/2023

Hawkeye has been busy in Agility! He earned his
ACT2 ACT1J ACT2J! Congrats Deb and Hawkeye!

16/10/2023

It’s official! Rosie and Hawkeye received their Championship certificates. 🎉🎉🎉

04/05/2022

Awesome video of Wyatt and Tammy Completing NATE level 2 skills! Congrats! So proud of you two!

Testing for the NATE level 2 Treibball Skills Certifications for send, push and directional x2.